Northern India encountered the recurring annual pre-winter event of air emergency where the Air Quality Index (AQI) readings of main pollutant PM 2.5 breached the 400-mark of “very poor” and landed the air of Delhi, Punjab and other northern cities into the “hazardous” category.

Authorities in New Delhi ordered all elementary schools to suspend in-person classes until further notice on Thursday night due to worsening smog in India's sprawling capital. New Delhi and the surrounding metropolitan area,

In response to dangerously high pollution levels, the Delhi government has ordered the closure of all primary schools starting Friday, with classes shifting online until further notice. Chief Minister Atishi made the announcement on social media.

Air pollution in the Indian capital is more than 50 times what is considered safe by the World Health Organization.